Well, we’re five weeks in to the New Year and the crowds at the gym have died down some. The excitement of starting anew is diminishing, we’ve started to encounter some setbacks (subzero temps, anyone?), and our progress has been slow, at best. Add it up and the result is NO MOTIVATION! What exactly is motivation anyway? Literally, it is the desire to do something – eat, go to sleep, work on a project, go shopping, anything. You’re “motivated” to do these things by the desire to solve (or avoid) a problem. But I’m going to share with you motivation’s dirty little secret. We think we’re motivated to act, but really, it’s our actions that motivate us. Counterintuitive, I know, but psychologists and motivational experts insist that it’s true. August Turak, an expert on success, says, “Inspiration actually emerges from the soil of action: perspiration is just the water that nourishes it.” Here are his three keys for success and how they can be interpreted for your fitness and health goals: 1. ACT! Do something, do anything! Get up right now and do 10 squats. I did it just after writing that sentence – it took me 30 seconds, and no lie, I do feel a little more motivated right now. So take a step. Action brings motivation brings more action. It’s the best kind of cycle. 2. Start small. Dreaming big is wonderful, but it can feel overwhelming at times. Turak suggests that our culture of instant gratification leads us to believe that anything can be accomplished within minutes or even seconds of our desire for it to be. Example: Can’t remember the name of that actress in that movie you loved but can’t think of the name right now? Google it! No more waking up in the middle of the night with the answer, we have it Right. Now. Sadly, fitness just doesn’t work like that. So yes, dream big (marathon!), but start small (half a mile!). 3. Work with others. We’re social creatures who need the camaraderie of a group and the support and accountability they provide. Whether it is a group of your friends, a local running group, your coworkers, or a Bright Fitness Challenge Group, let other people help fire you up when you’re feeling low. There’s always going to be a “but.” I’m asking you to get off it and take action, instead of waiting for motivation to strike. Need ideas or support? Join a Challenge Group. Let us help – that’s why we’re here!